Perilestidae

Definition

A small family of damselflies (order Odonata) comprising approximately 19 extant species, commonly known as shortwings and twigtails. All living species are restricted to the Neotropical realm. The family was established by Kennedy in 1920 and is characterized by reduced wing venation and slender, elongated abdomens. The extinct species Palaeoperilestes electronicus, described from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber, represents the only known fossil record of the family.

Etymology

Example

Perilestes attenuatus, a representative of Perilestidae, inhabits forest streams in Central and South America where adults perch on twigs with wings held tightly together above the body, displaying the family's characteristic short-winged appearance.

Related Terms

• Odonata
• Zygoptera
• damselfly
• Neotropical realm
• wing venation

Usage Notes

The family was formerly considered to include Nubiolestes from Africa, but this placement is now regarded as doubtful. Perilestidae is one of the smaller families within Zygoptera and is distinguished from other damselfly families by its reduced wing venation and the short, broad shape of the wings relative to body length. The common name 'twigtails' refers to the habit of perching with the abdomen extended along a twig.